2009 Ford Ka vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
To start off, 2009 Ford Ka is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight (133 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2009 Ford Ka. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight weights approximately 759 kg more than 2009 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Ka, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Ka. 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Ka | 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Ka | Eighty-Eight |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2960 mm |
